Author: Christopher Harrison

Waymo, the driverless ride-hailing company, has unveiled its intentions to extend its testing operations to Los Angeles, marking a significant expansion beyond its current testing grounds in San Francisco and Phoenix, Arizona. However, a recently introduced bill by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) poses a potential challenge to Waymo’s plans if passed. Senator Cortese introduced SB 915, known as the Autonomous Vehicle Service Deployment and Data Transparency Act, which aims to grant local communities the authority to dictate regulations and requirements regarding the operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) within their jurisdictions. This shift would deviate from the current practice where…

Recent sightings of camouflaged Rivian R1T pickup trucks navigating the frigid terrain of Fairbanks, Alaska, have ignited speculation within the automotive community. The vehicles, shrouded in mystery by their camouflage wraps, suggest that Rivian may be gearing up for a significant refresh of its R1T lineup. While details remain scarce, enthusiasts and industry analysts are abuzz with theories regarding the purpose behind these clandestine tests. One prevailing hypothesis is centered around the potential implementation of a heat pump system, aimed at bolstering the R1T’s performance in harsh winter conditions. See also: Rivian Tops Consumer Reports’ List as the Most Loved…

Autonomous delivery robot developer Starship Technologies has announced the successful completion of a $90 million funding round, aimed at accelerating the expansion of its micro-logistics service to new territories worldwide. Founded in 2014 by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, Starship’s L4 autonomous delivery robots have achieved over six million trips, addressing last-mile delivery challenges by transporting meals, packages, groceries, and important documents. See also: Bolt Partners with Starship Technologies to Enhance Autonomous Food and Grocery Deliveries Having initially covered five million miles in 30 areas by August 2023, Starship’s robots have now expanded to 80 locations globally, including…

Rivian’s all-electric R1T pickup, known for its robust off-road capabilities, is taking on a new role in Australia’s mining industry. Australian electric vehicle mining company MEVCO has added the neon green Rivian R1T to its fleet, aiming to assess its suitability for mining operations. MEVCO, specializing in electric vehicles tailored for mining environments, teased the addition of the Rivian R1T to its fleet on social media, showcasing the vehicle’s distinctive neon green paint, roll bars, a modified gear tunnel with slide-out drawers, and other customizations. See also: Rivian to Unveil Affordable $40,000 Electric SUV, R2, on March 7 Last year,…

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is set to convene on Tuesday to consider General Motors’ Cruise unit’s proposal to resolve an investigation into its failure to disclose crucial details regarding a pedestrian crash involving a self-driving car. In December, the CPUC summoned Cruise, citing the company for allegedly misleading the agency by withholding information about the extent and severity of the accident. The commission also accused Cruise of making deceptive public statements regarding its interactions with regulatory authorities. See also: General Motors Announces $1 Billion Cut in Spending for Cruise Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny The incident in question occurred on…

Fisker has announced its plans to initiate the first over-the-air (OTA) software update of 2024 for the Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV, starting next week. The upcoming Ocean OS 2.0 OTA update is set to bring a range of improvements, including enhancements to performance and powertrain, upgrades for SolarSky, refined energy management, and various user experience enhancements. This update will be accessible to owners in all of Fisker’s launch markets across North America and Europe. The rollout will take place over the course of three OTA updates, commencing next week and continuing through February. This phased approach follows the release of…

Kia Motors is recalling a total of 1,243 EV6 and Niro EV models due to a potential defect in the drive shaft, leading to a risk of power loss. The impacted vehicles include the 2023 Kia EV6 and the 2023-2024 Kia Niro EV models. According to a letter submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia identified a flaw in the drive shaft, where improper heat treatment may have occurred. This defect could result in the drive shaft breaking under pressure, causing a loss of power in the affected vehicles. See also: Hyundai and Kia Test “Active Air…

BYD has forged a strategic partnership with Brazilian energy company Shell’s Raízen Power to develop an extensive charging network in Brazil. The collaboration, announced on February 2, aims to construct BYD-Shell EV charging hubs in eight major Brazilian cities over the next three years, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Salvador, and Belém. BYD and Raízen Power plan to deploy 600 new DC charging piles across these cities, contributing an additional 18 megawatts of installed capacity to Brazil’s charging infrastructure. In an effort to incentivize usage, BYD owners in Brazil will reportedly receive exclusive benefits,…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is poised to reveal its latest offering, the R2, a smaller and more affordable electric SUV, on March 7. The announcement, made on Monday, provided limited details about the event, but indications point towards Laguna Beach, California, as the chosen venue, with recent paperwork filed for an event titled “RIVIAN R2 LAUNCH.” Priced in the range of $40,000-$60,000, the R2 represents a strategic move for Rivian, targeting a broader consumer base compared to its previously released R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO and founder, has emphasized that the R2 will be produced…

As Range Rover gears up for the imminent launch of its inaugural electric vehicle (EV), anticipation is reaching new heights with more than 16,000 potential buyers already on the waitlist, according to the company. The British automaker provided a sneak peek of the highly awaited EV in December when it began accepting orders. Positioned as the “quietest and most refined Range Rover ever created,” the upcoming electric Range Rover builds upon the design and capabilities of its gas-powered counterpart. Retaining its iconic British design and off-road prowess, the EV aims to surpass its luxury electric SUV counterparts in towing, wading,…

CAKE, the renowned Swedish electric motorcycle manufacturer recognized for its distinctive designs, is reportedly facing bankruptcy as it struggles to secure adequate funding for continued operations. The company’s board has allegedly submitted a bankruptcy application, although no official statement has been released by CAKE. Despite recent press announcements, including plans for further European expansions and the introduction of its latest electric motorcycle model, the CAKE Bukk, signs of financial trouble emerged with reported salary payment suspensions last week. See also: CAKE Launches Flagship Site in Seoul, South Korea The reported bankruptcy filing coincides with CAKE’s apparent inability to secure follow-on…

Talon Metals Corp. has obtained approval from Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an additional 23,000 acres of mineral leases in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The company, actively engaged in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, recently entered into an agreement to supply Tesla with 165 million pounds of nickel sourced from the Tamarack Nickel Project in Aitkin County, Central Minnesota. The approved mineral leases cover nickel deposits across Baraga, Houghton, Iron, and Marquette counties. This development follows Talon’s acquisition of mineral rights for exploration on a vast expanse of 400,000 acres in the Upper Peninsula. In a press release, Talon…

Hyundai, in collaboration with its Chinese partner BAIC, is allegedly in the process of establishing a new electric car brand exclusively for the Chinese market, as per insights shared by sources with the Korea Economic Daily. The brand, internally codenamed OE RE, is expected to be jointly owned, with Hyundai and BAIC each holding a 50% stake. The brand’s focus is on providing electric vehicles equipped with cost-effective LFP batteries tailored to meet the specific demands of the Chinese market. See also: Hyundai Introduces N Line Trim for Kona Electric, Blending Performance Styling with EV Appeal Earlier plans for Hyundai…

Daimler Truck North America, Navistar, Inc., and Volvo Group North America have announced the creation of Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT), a collaborative initiative focused on advancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the United States. The partnership aims to address the challenge posed by limited charging infrastructure hindering the widespread adoption of battery-electric vehicles in the commercial sector. John O’Leary, president and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, emphasized the importance of PACT in accelerating the infrastructure buildout to enable the large-scale adoption of zero-emission vehicles, stating, “Decarbonizing the commercial transportation sector – the fleets…

Luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors is set to expand its vehicle lineup with the introduction of a specialized security vehicle, initially designated for service with the Saudi Arabian police force. Lucid has established substantial connections with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund holds a majority stake of over 60% in the automaker. Recently, Lucid inaugurated a new manufacturing facility, AMP-2, in Saudi Arabia, where Air sedans are re-assembled after pre-construction at AMP-1 in Casa Grande, Arizona. The strong ties between Lucid and Saudi Arabia extend to a significant purchase agreement, with the Saudi Arabian government committing to…

Polestar officially launched its highly anticipated Polestar 4 SUV Coupe in Europe and Australia, boasting an impressive WLTP range of up to 379 miles (610 km). Introduced last April as a “new breed of SUV coupe,” the Polestar 4 marks the brand’s second foray into an all-electric SUV, succeeding the Polestar 3. Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in size and pricing, the vehicle emphasizes maximum efficiency with distinctive features such as a low nose, retractable door handles, frameless windows, and rear aero blades. See also: Renault Reportedly Considering Production of Polestar Electric Cars in Spain Having commenced…

In a minor setback, the eagerly awaited Volvo EX30 EV is experiencing delivery delays attributed to a software glitch. Despite the hiccup, buyers of the brand’s most affordable electric vehicle can breathe a sigh of relief, as the postponement is expected to be brief. While specific details about the software issue remain limited, an undisclosed insider has revealed that the rectification process requires in-dealership intervention and cannot be conducted remotely. Upon completion of the software update at dealership lots, the EX30 units will be promptly prepared for delivery. See also: Volvo Cars CEO Remains Confident in Electric Vehicle Growth Amid…

In a second letter to President Joe Biden within a span of two months, a substantial coalition comprising around 4,700 dealerships across all 50 states is urging the President to exercise caution regarding the proposed Electric Vehicle Mandate. The dealers argue that the infrastructure is not adequately prepared for a fully electric future. The initial letter, signed by 3,882 dealerships in November 2023, went unanswered by the Biden administration. In response, an expanded group of dealers, totaling nearly 5,000, has now expressed their opposition to what they deem a “completely unrealistic” mandate. The primary concern of the coalition revolves around…

Swedish electric car manufacturer Polestar has revealed plans to trim approximately 15% of its global workforce, totaling around 450 jobs, citing “challenging market conditions.” This move comes in response to the sluggish growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market over the past year, marked by subdued demand, significant price reductions, reduced subsidies, and supply chain challenges. In an effort to navigate these challenges, Polestar adjusted its delivery forecasts in November, unveiling a revised business plan with the goal of achieving cash flow break-even by 2025. The company aims to decrease its reliance on external funding from major stakeholders Volvo Cars…

Tesla is recalling approximately 200,000 Model S, X, and Y vehicles in the United States due to a software malfunction affecting rearview visibility during reversing, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday. This recall follows a recent comprehensive recall by the company, where nearly all its U.S. vehicles were called back for the installation of new safety measures in the Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system. The NHTSA highlighted that the rearview malfunction, attributed to software instability, has the potential to impair driver visibility and escalate the risk of collisions. The affected models are the S, Y,…